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Update, Lady Liuwa, The Last Lioness |
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Lady Liuwa, the last remaining lioness on the Liuwa Plain has captured the hearts of many people around the world. We have had enquiries as to progress from literally all around the globe! The good news is that the males introduced in May 2009 have stayed with her and they are a solid pride unit now. They range in the home range of the lioness and she has taught them the ways of survival in the Liuwa environment. There has been repeated mating but no successful conception - yet. We are still optimistic as it is normal for a lioness to hold off on conceiving for some time after new males arrive (to make sure they do not invest energy in cubs from wandering males that could be killed by other males that move in later). The story of Lady Liuwa has been brilliantly captured in a documentary being circulated on National Geographic called "The Last Lioness".
The translocation of the two males is part of a strategy formulated by African Parks management to restore a viable population on lions in Liuwa, once renowned for its large prides of big bodies lions. This is a vital programme for the rehabilitation of the ecological processes that have operated on the plain for millennia as well as improving Liuwa as a destination where tourists can experience these and other predators in their natural environment. A fully functioning and ecologically healthy park is critical to the future development of this remote corner of Western Zambia.
As soon as there is more news on progress with the lion translocation programme (and hopefully cubs) we will update this website!
Craig Reid
Project Coordinator - Liuwa Plain National Park
May 7th, 2010
 Males on the plain
 Courtship on progress
 Lady Liuwa with the male with whom she has mated
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